Electrical relay



May 16, 1933. v. H. DAKE 1,908,961

ELECTRICAL RELAY Filed Oct. l, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR 7 O I O w li gwzun May 16, 1933. v. H. DAKE ELECTRICAL RELAY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 1, 1930 Patented May 16, 1933 PATENT OFFICE VIRGIL H. DAKE, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRICAL RELAY Application filed October 1, 1930. Serial No. 485,587.

This invention relates to an electric relay which is differential in its mechanical action.

In relays heretofore made in which two or more impulses produce forces acting to effect a resultant, overlapping impulses may produce interference between the mechanical operating means of the relay, giving a resultant which is inaccurate and unreliable. Heretofore such interference, if provided against has been obviated only by elaborate and some times unreliable mechanisms.

The object of this invention is to provide a relay of simple and sturdy construction in which each of two or more actuating forces contributes its respective and intended influence toward a resultant. This resultant is obtained without interference between the actuating elements, such as might be produced by overlapping impulses acting upon the electro-magnets of the relay.

In the drawings Figure I is a plan View of a mechanical differential relay embodying the features of the invention; Figure II is a side elevation of the relay; Figure III is a cross sectional View taken on the line IIIIII of Figure I; Figure IV is a wiring diagram of the relay; Figure V is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modified contact arrangement; Figure VI is a fragmentary plan view showing the. contact arrangement of Figure V; Figure VII is a diagrannnatic elevation illustrating a modification in the relay so that it does not function directly by the reception of current impulses;

Figure VIII is a fragmentary View partly in plan and partly in horizontal section, illustrating the differential mechanism of this modification; and Figure IX is a fragmentary view taken on the line IX-IX of Fig ure VIII.

Figures I and II of the drawings show the simplest form of the relay, and may be taken as illustrating the principle of its operation. The primary elements of the relay consist of 5 electro-magnets 1 and 2, and a mechanical contact control mechanism designed generally by the reference numeral 3. Contact controlling mechanism comprises a pair of ratchet wheels 4 and 5, which are freely mounted on a common shaft 6. Associated with the ratchets 4 and 5 are detents 7 and 8, of well known form, which yieldingly limit movement of each of the ratchets in one direction of rotation, and which positively pre- 7 vent movement of the ratchets in the other direction of rotation. As shown, the detents 7 and 8 are so arranged that opposite directions of rotation are permitted the two ratchets 4 and 5. I

Rotating movement of the ratchets 4 and 50 5 is produced by pawls 9 and 10, which are mounted. on arms 11 and 12 of magnetic material, and are held in retracted position by means of springs 13 connected to the arms 11 v and 12. If then electro-magnet 1 be energized by an electrical impulse, arm 11 is attracted to it against the resistance of spring 13, and causes pawl 9 to move ratchet 4 one step counter-clockwise, as permitted by detent 7. Conversely an impulse energizing magnet 2, moves ratchet 5 one step clockwise.

On shaft 6 are miter gears 14 and 15; the gear 14 being fixed to rotate with ratchet 4, and the gear 15 being fixed to rotate with ratchet 5. Fixed on shaft 6 is a central hub B, shown as of spherical contour. Fixed in this hub B are arms 16 and 17, carrying miter pinions 18 and 19, each of which meshes with both of the miter gears 14 and 15 and is rotatable on its respective arm.

The arms 16 and 17 each carry a blade 20, 20a of insulating material, which is ex tended and positioned to enter between, and separate, resilient contact terminals 21 and. 22, and terminals 21a and 22a.

Assuming the position of the parts shown in Figure II of the drawings, with the insulating blade 20 in inclined dotted line position between terminals 21and 22, energization of magnet 1 rotates ratchet 4 one step counter-clockwise. As ratchet 4 carries gear 14, this gear is also carried forward, and rotates pinions 18 and 19 in opposite directions. During this action, ratchet 5 and gear 15 are stationary, so that the pinions 18 and 19 revolve on the gear.

The described action, by moving arm 16 one step counter-clockwise, removes insulating blade 20 from between contact terminals 21 and 22, thus permitting them to make 00 contact and complete the circuit. A similar action moves the blade another step, the effect of several such steps being shown in dotted lines in Figure II of the drawings.

With blade 20 in the horizontal dotted line position of Figure II, energization of magnet 2, rotates ratchet 5 one step clockwise, miter gear 15 rotating with it. In this action gear 14 is held stationary, so that pinions 18 and 19 revolve upon it, and the blade 20 is moved back one step clockwise-toward the contacts. At the fourth successive energization of magnet 2, and consequent clockwise step, the insulating blade 20 again lies between contact members 21 and 22 to hold them out of contact. It will be understood, that if, during the return stepping, there be additional energizations of magnet 1, and consequent steps counter-clockwise this number of steps is added to give the total number of steps necessary for restoring the insulating blade 20 to position between the contacts. For example, we will assume blade 20 in dotted line position four steps counterclockwise from contact breaking position, if then there be two energizations of magnet 2,

and two energizations of magnet 1, the pcsition of blade 20 will remain unchanged.

If there are practically simultaneous energizat-ions of the two magnets, so that their action overlaps, the resultant is neutral, and there is no step in either direction of rotation.

By reference to Figure IV of the drawings, it will be seen that the pair of contact terminals 21 and 22 are connected in series with magnet 2, and contact terminals 21a and 22a are connected in series with magnet 1. When, therefore, blade 20 lies between contact terminals 21. and 22 to separate them, magnet 2 cannot be energized and no further clockwise step is possible, until a step counter-clockwise has been made.

Similarly, when blade 20a is in position to separate contact terminals 21a and 22a, magnet 1 cannot be energized and no further counter-clockwise step is possible, until a step clockwise has been made. This permits accurate integration between the pairs of contact terminals, and prevents a reversal in sense by changing the contact toward which the blades proceed under the influence of the several magnets.

The modification shown in Figures V and VI of the drawings, is identical with that shown in the preceding figures with the exception that a plurality of additional contacts are incorporated with special controlling means for them. In this modification the arms 16a and 17 a of the difl'erential stepping mechanism, carry a ring 23, which has thereon extensions 24, 240, corresponding in 'efl'ect to the contact controlling blades 20a and 20, and arranged to co-operate with two pairs of spring contacts 25 and 26, 25a and 26a, corresponding to the pair of spring contacts 21 and 22, 21a and 22a. It has also, however, an extension 27 on a portion of its periphery arranged to control a series of co-operating pairs of spring contacts a, I), c, f7 {1, a and As shown, the ring 23 and its extensions are of insulating material, and serve to separate the co-operating spring contacts. Assuming then that ring 23 be rotated one step counter-clockwise from the position shown in Figure V, extension 24 is withdrawn from between contact arms 25a and 2611, Fig. VI, permitting them to make mutual contact, and extension 27 is also withdrawn from the pair of contacts a permitting them also to make contact. Another counter-clockwise step removes extension 27 from between contacts b, and also moves extension 24 another step away from pair 25a and 26a of contacts. When the action is reversed the contacts permitted to make mutual contact on successive counter-clockwise steps are separated, one on each successive clockwise step until extension 24 again lies between contact arms 25a. 26a. In this modified form of relay it should be understood that contact pairs 25, 26 and 25a, 260 are the extreme limits of rotation in either direction of the contact separating extensions 24, 24a. When extension arm 24 lies between contact arms 25a, 26a connected electrically in series with electro-magnet 2 the circuit through electromagnet 2 is broken and further stepping in a clockwise direction is not possible. In this position each of the contact pairs (1 to z' inelusive are held separated by the position of extension 27 between them, and the electrical circuits of which they are a part, are broken. \Vhen extension arm 24a lies between contact arms 25, 26, no further counterclockwise stepping under the action of magnet 1 is possible. In this position each of the contact pairs from a to z' inclusive would be in mutual contact and their respcctive electrical circuits completed. The mechanical action of this modified form of relay is identical with that of the simpler form shown in Figures I to IV inclusive,

and as in that form overlapping impulses tending to step the ring 23 in opposite directions neutralize each other, so that the ring remains stationary.

The intermediate contacts may obviously be terminals of a number of circuits which are independent of the relay circuits proper.

It should be understood, that the mechanical differential of the relay may be constructed with various transmitting elements other than the miter gears shown and described. It should also he understood that the pawls and detents of the ratchets may he so arranged that impulses imparted to the two magnets produce movement of the ratchets in the same direction of rotation.

The resultant of their action is therefore an arithmetic as well as an algebraic addition, involving the total number of steps produced by the action of both magnets. In this case two overlapping impulses will both register, to step the contact controlling arms twice in the same direction of rotation.

In the modification illustrated in Figures VII and VIII of the drawings, the contact controlling mechanism of. the relay is indicated generally by the reference numeral 28. The gear arrangement of the mechanism is generally similar to that shown in Figures I to IV inclusive of the drawings. In this modification of contact controlling m chanism, a disk 29 is revoluble on shaft 30 and is fixed to miter pinions 31 and 32, as by means of set screws passing through a collar 34 on the disk. Pinions 31 and are both in mesh with each of two driving miter gears 35 and 36. Gear 36 is rigidly connected with a. ratchet 37. while gear 35 is keyed to the shaft 30, to which asecond ratchet 33 is also fixed.

Rotation of ratchet 38 thus rotates shaft 30 and gear 35; and if gear 36 is held against rotation, serves to rotate pinions 31 and 32 upon it. Rotation of ratchet also produces rotation of gear 36 fixed to it upon the shaft 30; and gear being held by its key connection to shaft 30 pinions 31 and 32 are then able to rotate upon gear 35.

Disk 29 carries contact breaking earns 39 and 3964, which are arranged to be brought to bear upon spring arms 40 and 41 to separate these contact arms from their co-open ating contacts 42 and 43.

Operating means for ratehets 3. and 38 comprise electro-magnet-s 44 and 45. Associated with electro-magnet 45 is a lever arm 46 having thereon a plate 47 of magnetic material arranged to be attracted by the magnet to rotate the lover. Adjacent the other end of lever 46 is a foot 48 arranged to bear against one end of a leaf spring 49. Extending from this end of lever 46 is a pawl 56 arranged to act upon ratchet 38. A resilient detent 51 serves to limit movement of rotation o ratchet 38 under the action of pawl 56.

When electro-magnet 45 is energized plate 47 is attracted to it, and lever 46 is rotated so that its outer edge bearing against leaf spring 49 depresses this spring. Simultaneously pawl 50 is drawn over the face of the tooth upon which it rests and behind that tooth. During this action rotation of ratchet 38 in a counter-clockwise cirection is prevented by detent 51. Upon breaking of current through magnet 45 lever 46 let sed. Spring 49 acts upon it to ps -tore the lever to the position shown in Figure VII. This movement causes ratchet 38, engaged by pawl 50 to be moved one step clockwise.

The above described movement of rotation of ratchet 38 causes similar rotation of miter gear 35, and acts on pinions 31 and 32 to rotate disk 29 one step in clockwise direction.

Ratchet 37 is acted upon by magnet 44 through an escapement 52. hen magnet 44 is energized it attracts plate 53, which is connected by means of an adjustable arm to escapement 52. This being rotated about point removes pawl 56 from engagement behind tooth. 37a of ratchet 3! and engages pawl 57 behind tooth 37b of ratchet 37. This slight movement of rotation of ratchet 37 in a counter-clockwise direction is produced by coil spring 58. This spring 58 surrounds and a hub 59 on disk 29, so that it exerts a force tending to rotate the disk counter clockwise. This movement of rotation is transmitted by way of pinions 31 and 32 attached to collar 34 of the disk to gear 36 and ratchet 37 rigidly connected therewith. Gear 35 and ratchet 38, being fixed to shaft 30, are held against rotation during this movement.

It will be understood that the movement above described is of a partial step only.

ment distorts the spring. Upon de-e-nergization of magnet 44 spring 62 rotates arms 61 and plate 53 about the pivot point 60. This movement disengages pawl 57 from behind tooth 376 into the position shown in Figure VII of the drawings. This disengagement permits coil spring 58 to rotate ratchet 37 counter-clockwise until pawl 56 riding on the face of tooth 37a lies behind the next succeeding tooth. s ep. gear 36 and gears 31 and 32 rotating to permit rotation of disk 29.

By reference to Figure VII of the draw- ,;s it will be seen that a step in the clockwise direction brings contact breaking cam 39 rloser to contact arm 46, and the other cam 39a further away from contact arm 41; while a step in a counter-clockwise direction reverses this effect.

It will be noted that the terminals 63 and 64 of circuit A are connected to a current JET-"9 and that the contact members 40 and are in series with magnet 45. The terminalr nected to a source of current, and the contact members 41 and 43 are in series with ne t 44.

ing clockwise rotation of disk 29 produccc by rotation of ratchet 38 under impulse from magnet 45, coil spring 58 is p311 e under tension, and as previously ex- 1 spring 62 so that the described move- This action completes the 65 and 66 of circuit B are likewise conon resilient contact arm 40 to break the contact between it and member 42 magnet 45 cannot receive additional impulses until this cam has been moved counter-clockwise to permit the contact between the members 40 and 42 to be re-established. The position of disk 29 at which this cam 39 is in contact with spring arm 40 is therefore the extreme limit of clockwise rotation of disk 29.

This limitation prevents a. reversal in sense during the operation of the relay by the passage of contact cam 39 past the point of its engagement with contact arm 40. In addition to preventing an over-winding of the spring this limited movement is advantageous for some uses of the relay. This effect is also obtained when contact cam 39a is in position to act on contact arm 4]. to break its engagement with contact member 43. By thus breaking circuit B, magnet 44. cannot be energized to release ratchet 37 to the action of spring 58 until a step in the clockwise direction has been made. This latter limitation of movement contributes to the possibility of defining the number of steps which may be taken in either direction by the relative positioning of contact cams 39 and 39a, or the contacts upon which they act, and also prevents nn winding of coil spring 58 by continued movement in a counter-clockwise direction without intervening movement of disk 29, which would tend to place spring 58 under tension.

With this modification, also, overlapping impulses so neutralize each other that there is no resultant change in position of the contact controlling disk 29. If for example, magnet 44 be energized after a clockwise step has begun under the influence of magnet 45, it proceeds to completion. as the cscapement "2 is merely adjusted for a forward step with respect to ratchet 37 as the initial effect of the encrgization of magnet .44. This clockwise step does not affect the relative position of ratchet 37, and the counter-clockwise step then immediately proceeds to completion under the impclling power of spring 58. The resultant movement of disk 29 is therefore zero. Similarly impulses overlapping during any portion of their periods neutralize each other to leave the position of disk 29 unaffected.

All the *arious modifications of the device have in common the feature that the action of the contact controlling mechanism generally is effected through a mechanical differential. As previously stated such differential may be the epicyclic gear train shown, or other mechanism capable of differential transmission. It should be further understood that the modification illustrated in Figures V and VI of the drawings may also be incorporated with the modification shown in Figures VII to IX inclusive of the drawings. That is, a plurality of additional contacts controlling additional circuits may be positioned between the two limiting contacts of the device.

A number of obvious changes may be made in the details of the relay without departing from the operating principles involved in the device, as shown and described. Thus, for example, current may be shunted avay from the electro-nmgnets when the limiting contacts are reached by the contact controlling arms. In such case these arms would serve to complete, and not break, the circuit through the contacts. Similarly, with reference to Figure V of the drawings, the contact controlling means may act on the contacts of the independent circuits to complete, rather than to break, the circuits. Also, if the completion of each step on de-energization of the associated electro-magnet important for stepping in one direction of retation only. the connections to clcctro-magnet 45. of Figure VII, may be readily so arranged that pawl 50 ope 'ates to complete a step on reception of the impulse by the electro-n'iagnet.

The above are merely illustrative of a great number of other obvious electrical. or mechanical variations in the relay. Obviously the relay may he built up by adding electromagnets and ratchets, and interconnecting ach such added assembly to thc otlscr magnet and ratchet asemblies of the relay by means of a mechanical differential.

I claim as my invention:

1. A relay comprising electrical contacts, movable contact controlling means therefor, a pair of opposed operating motors. and mechanical connections between said operating motors and said contact controlling means for transmitting step by step movement to said controlling means. said motors arranged to impose on said controlling means measured movement in opposite d ircct ons the algebraic sum of the impelling movements constituting the total step by step movement of the contact controlling means. said mechanical connections to said operating moto's comprising a mechanical differential permitting complete action in accordance with simultaneous actuation by the motors.

2. A relay comprising two electrical oper ating' motors. rotatal'ile contact crmtrolling means. mechanical connections between said operating motors and said contact controlling means for transmitting step by step nmvement to said contact controlling means, two electrical contacts cach electrically connected with one of said operating motors, a contact operating member forming part of said contact controlling means and arranged to a t operativcly on said contacts, whereby the two contacts serve to limit movement of the contact controlling means in both directions of rotation; and a plurality of contacts for independent circuits disposed operatively between said limiting contacts and controlled by said contact controlling means.

3. A relay comprising two electrical operating motors, rotatable contact controlling means, mechanical connections between said operating motors and said contact controlling means for transmitting step by step movement to said contact controlling means, the algebraic sum of the impelling movements by the two motors constituting the total step by step movement of the contact controlling means, two electrical contacts each electrically connected with one of said operating motors, contact operating members forming part of said contact controlling means and arranged to act 'operatively on said contacts, whereby the two contacts serve to limit movement of the contact controlling means in both directions of rotation; and a plurality of contacts for independent circuits disposed operatively between said limiting contacts and controlled by said controlling means.

4. A relay comprising electrical contacts, movable contact controlling means therefor, a pair of electro-magnets, and mechanical connections and elements acting under the influence of said electro-magnets for transmitting step by step movement to said contact controlling means, said connections and elements arranged to complete each step upon de-energization of the electro-magnc acting to produce the step, the algebraic sum of the steps constituting the total step by step move-- ment of the contact controlling means, said mechanical connections and elements to said electro-magnets comprising a mechanical differential permitting complete action in accordance with simultaneous actuation by the electro-magnets.

5. In an electrical relay the combination of a rotatably mounted contact controlling element, a ratchet, resilient means acting on said contact controlling element to produce rotation thereof; said contact controlling element and said ratchet operatively interconnected for rotation step by step, an electromagnet, an escapement arranged to co-operate with said ratchet, and connections operative between said electro-magnet and said escapement arranged to act upon an electrical impulse in said electro-magnet to release said ratchet and contact controlling element to said resilient means for rotation through a complete step upon termination of the impulse.

6. In an electrical relay the combination of a rotatably mounted contact controlling element, a ratchet, resilient means acting on said contact controlling element to produce rotation thereof, said contact controlling element and said ratchet operatively interconnected for rotation step by step, an electro-magnet, a stop co-operatively organized with said ratchet, and connections operative between said electro-magnet and said stop actuated by an electrical impulse in said electro-magnet to release said ratchet and contact controlling element to said resilient means for rotation through a complete step upon termination of the impulse.

7. An electrical relay comprising electrical contacts, a rotatably mounted contact controlling element therefor, a plurality of electro-magnets, mechanical connections and elements acting under the influence of said clectro-magnets for transmitting step by step movement to said contact controlling element, the connections and elements associated with at least one of said electro-magn-ets comprising a ratchet, a source of motive power other than the electro-magnet acting on said contact controlling element to produce rotation thereof, said contact controlling element and said ratchet operatively interconnected for rotation step by step, an escapement co-operative with said ratchet, and con nections operative between said electro-magnet and said escapement arranged to act upon an electrical impulse in said electromagnet to release said ratchet and contact controlling element to said other source of motive power for rotation through a complete step upon termination of the impulse.

8. A relay comprising electrical contacts, a rotatably mounted contact controlling element therefor, a plurality of electro-mag nets, mechanical connections and elements comprising a mechanical differential acting under the influence of said electro-magnets for transmitting step by step movement to said contact controlling element; the connec-' tions and elements associated with at least one of said electro-magnets comprising a ratchet, a source of motive power other than the electro-magnet acting on said contact controlling element to produce rotation thereof. said contact controlling element and said ratchet operatively interconnected for rotation step by step, an escapement co-operative with said ratchet, and connections operative between said electro-magnet and said escapement arranged to act upon an electrical impulse in said electro-magnet to release said ratchet and contact controlling element to said other source of motive power for rotation through a complete step upon termination of the impulse.

9. A relay comprising electrical contacts, a rotatably mounted contact controlling element therefor, a plurality of electro-magnets, mechanical connections and elements comprising a mechanical differential acting under the influence of said electro-magnets for transmitting step by step movement to said Contact controlling element, the connections and elements operatively associated with each electromagnet operative to complete each step upon de-energization of the electro-magnet acting to initiate the step; the connections and elements associated with at least 1a ment arranged to act upon an electrical inipulse in said electro-magnet to release said ratchet and contact controlling element to said other source of motive power for rotation through a complete step upon terminam tion of the impulse.

10. A relay comprising electrical contacts, a rotatably mounted contact controlling element therefor, a plurality of electro-magnets, mechanical connections and elements acting under the influence of said electro-magnets for transmitting step by step movement to said contact controlling element, the algebraic sum of the steps constituting the total step by step movement of the contact controlling element; the connections and elements associated with at least one of said electro-magnets comprising a ratchet, a source of motive power other than the electromagnet acting on said contact controlling element to roduce rotation thereof, said contact contro ling element and said ratchet operatively interconnected for rotation step by step, an escapement co-operative with said ratchet, and connections operative between said electro-magnet and said escapement arranged to act upon an electrical impulse in sai electro-magnet to release said ratchet and contact controlling element to said other source of motive power for rotation through a complete step upon termination of the impulse.

11. A relay comprising electrical contacts, a rotatably mounted contact controlling element therefor, a plurality of electro-magnets, mechanical connections and elements acting under the influence of said electro-magnets for transmitting step by step movement to said contact controlling element, the connections and elements associated with each electro-magnet operative to complete each step upon de-energization of the electro-magnet acting to initiate the step, and the algebraic sum of the steps constituting the total step by step movement of the contact controlling e ement; the connections and elements associated with at least one of said electro-magnets comprising a ratchet, a source of motive power other than the electro-magnet acting on said contact controlling element to produce rotation thereof, said contact controlling element and said ratchet operatively interconnected for rotation step b step, an escapement co-operative with said ratchet, and connections operative between said electro-magnet and said escapement arranged to act upon an electrical impulse in said electromagnet to release said ratchet and contact controlling element to said other source of motive power for rotation through a complete step upon termination of the impulse.

12. A relay comprising two electrical operating motors, rotatable contact controlling means, mechanical connections between said operating motors and said contact controlling means, the algebraic sum of the impelling movements by the two motors constituting the total step by step movement of the contact controlling means, two electrical contacts each electrically connected with one of said operating motors, and a contact operating member forming part of said contact controlling means and arranged to act operatively on said contacts, whereby the contacts serve respectively to prevent energization of the two motors and thereby limit movement of the contact cont-rolling means in both directions of rotation.

13. A relay comprising electrical contacts, movable contact-controlling means therefor, a mechanical differential o erably connected with said contact-control ing means, two electrically operated motors, each of said motors being connected electrically in a circuit through one of said contacts, and mechanical connections operable between said motors and said contact-controlling means through said mechanical diflerential, the circuits comprising the motors completed through the contacts being controlled by movement of said contact-controlling means and action of said motors producing movement of said contact-controlling means being in turn controlled through said contacts.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

VIRGIL H. DAKE. 

